The 35-year-old actor, who will host the show for the second time on Dec. 11, tells PEOPLE his performance caught the eye of A-list audience member Jennifer Aniston and her hubby Justin Theroux.

“We had this great moment where I was talking to Amy Schumer in the middle of a crowd, and then as I kind of walked passed [Aniston], she gave me this look,” he explains. “It was her and Justin and they were like, ‘You’re doing a hell of a job. And you’re pretty committed to making this a good show because you were wearing four life-sized puppets on you through the entire monologue.'”

For more on T.J. Miller starring in Office Christmas Party and hosting the Critics’ Choice Awards, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday

Miller says Aniston let him on come on board to star alongside her in the holiday comedy Office Christmas Party. In the film, Aniston plays Miller’s mean sister and business partner who is trying to shut down the company’s holiday party.

WATCH: The Critics’ Choice Awards Film Nominations Live!

“She has one heck of a headlock,” Miller says. “She’s sort of America’s sweetheart but she has this range. I learned a lot from her and she’s just got limitless potential.”

As Miller gears up to host the award show for a second time, he says he’s not nervous.

“It’s going to be even more ridiculous and inspirational than ever before,” he says. “My only focus is to put on a better show than last year.”